The rebuilding process for the Devils was accelerated a little bit faster than most anticipated. They broke a five-year playoff drought before losing to the Lightning in a five-game first-round series this past season.
It was all sparked by the Hart Trophy-winning campaign of Taylor Hall — his acquisition from the Oilers in exchange for Adam Larsson two years ago now seeming like grand larceny executed by general manager Ray Shero.
It also helped that Shero converted on his lottery luck with the No. 1-overall pick in the 2017 draft, taking Nick Hischier and watching as the Swiss teenager showed he immediately belongs playing among the world’s best. Add him to the likes of Jesper Bratt, Pavel Zacha and Joey Anderson up front and defenseman Will Butcher, one of the best college free-agent signings of recent vintage, and the young corps is solid.
Now Shero has a pretty attractive product to offer and another offseason with a good amount of flexibility to explore the free-agent market, holding approximately $24 million in salary-cap space. This is a team with a lot of promise, but still a lot of holes to fill if the Devils want to be competitive.
The first question would be whether Shero continues to believe in Cory Schneider as his No. 1 goalie. It seemed like a great parting gift left by former GM Lou Lamoriello, who acquired Schneider for the No. 9-overall pick in the 2013 draft (eventually used on Bo Horvat). But the 32-year-old Schneider has dealt with some injuries in recent years and seen his numbers drop precipitously — posting save percentages of .908 and .907 the past two seasons.
Schneider has four more years left on his contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $6 million, which should make it difficult to find a trade partner — unless, of course, Shero is willing to take back a bad contract. Maybe, say, like Johnny Boychuk from the Islanders, a team that desperately needs a goaltender (assuming the idea of trading within the division has subsided some with the Rangers-Devils deal of Michael Grabner at this past deadline).
The idea of trading Schneider can be softened by the emergence of Keith Kinkaid, the 28-year-old from Long Island who was the one in nets as the Devils made a late-season push into the playoffs.
Moving Schneider for picks or prospects could also show that Shero knows the Devils aren’t exactly on the verge of winning the Stanley Cup — which they’re not. Some talent up front could certainly help, taking some pressure of the young guys to carry the load. The top six defensemen are pretty set, but some depth on the blueline for inevitable injuries never hurts, either.
Devils potential targets
Cody Franson
The 30-year-old defenseman still can skate and should be priced at a short-term deal that wouldn’t be a salary-cap burden.
Thomas Vanek
In the right situation — meaning he plays only one end of the ice — the 34-year-old winger still can put the puck in the net.
Anthony Duclair
The former Rangers standout is just 22 years old, and his speed and skill game would fit right in with the Devils.